title: Association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene and strength athlete status.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The 12Ala allele of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma gene (PPARG) Pro12Ala polymorphism produces a decreased binding affinity of the PPARγ2 protein, resulting in low activation of the target genes. The 12Ala allele carriers display a significantly improved insulin sensitivity that may result in better glucose utilisation in working skeletal muscles. We hypothesise that the PPARG 12Ala allele could be associated with strength athlete status in Polish athletes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The genotype distribution of PPARG Pro12Ala was examined in 660 Polish athletes. The athletes were stratified into four subgroups: endurance, strength-endurance, sprint-strength and strength. Control samples were prepared from 684 unrelated sedentary volunteers. A χ(2) test was used to compare the PPARG Pro12Ala allele and genotype frequencies between the different groups of athletes and control subjects. Bonferroni's correction for multiple testing was applied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistically significant higher frequency of PPARG 12Ala alleles was observed in the subgroup of strength athletes performing short-term and very intense exertion characterised by predominant anaerobic energy production (13.2% vs. 7.5% in controls; P = 0.0007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PPARG 12Ala allele may be a relevant genetic factor favouring strength abilities in professional athletes, especially in terms of insulin-dependent metabolism, a shift of the energy balance towards glucose utilisation and the development of a favourable weight-to-strength ratio.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Bases of Physical Culture, Faculty of Physical Education and Health Promotion, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland. maciejewska.us@wp.pl
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maciejewska-Karlowska
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sawczuk
authors.forename: Pawel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cieszczyk
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zarebska
authors.forename: Stanislaw
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sawczyn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019943:Amino Acid Substitution; D056352:Athletes; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000235:genetics*; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000235:genetics; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D047495:PPAR gamma